400 Participants Join 'Golek Garwo' Matchmaking Programme at Nikah Fest 2026

A total of 400 people participated in the ‘Golek Garwo’ (searching for a spouse) programme held as part of the Nikah Fest and Islamic Wedding Expo at the SMESCO Exhibition Hall in South Jakarta on Sunday (28/6/2026). The initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, aims to facilitate individuals seeking a partner while encouraging the formation of sakinah families amidst a trend of declining marriage rates. Abu Rokhmad, Director General of Islamic Community Guidance, stated that the programme is a collaboration between the directorate general, the Indonesian Association of Marriage Registrars (APRI), and the Golek Garwo Community, also known as the Indonesian Taaruf Forum (Fortais). ‘Today, in addition to the exhibition where the public can obtain information about various wedding vendors, we are also holding an equally exciting activity, namely Golek Garwo or searching for a spouse,’ Abu told Republika. He explained that the event was designed to facilitate singles in getting to know one another and finding a partner. According to Abu, 400 participants had confirmed their attendance by the time the event commenced, with the number likely to increase as on-the-spot registration remained open. He noted a significant gender disparity among the participants, with women making up approximately 70 per cent of attendees and men accounting for the remaining 30 per cent. Abu expressed hope that the activity would prove beneficial for those striving to find a life partner.